AU2022354782A1 - Ballistc ridge cover - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed a ballistic system comprising, a ballistic vest, a soft body armor package, a ballistic support, and a ballistic cover. The ballistic cover may comprise one or more layers of felt. Each layer of the one or more layers of felt having a first end and a second end. The ballistic cover may also comprise one or more layers of ballistic fabric. Each layer of the one or mor layers of ballistic fabric (e.g., Kevlar fabric) forms fabric a third end and a fourth end. The ballistic cover may be installed over a piece of the soft body armor package.

Description

Ballistic Ridge Cover

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/246,575 filed on September 21, 2021, and entitled Female Ballistic Ridge, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any purpose.

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to body armor systems and more particularly to body armor systems with improved ballistic performance based on user’s anatomy.

Background

[0002] The performance of ballistic protective equipment, namely vests, carriers, can be affected or decreased based on the anatomy of a wearer. For example, the breast tissue of a female use may create an angled strike face for ballistic panels or armor. The angle strike face can create performance issues. There is a need to improve ballistic performance of body armor regardless of the user’s anatomy.

Summary

[0003] The present disclosure is directed a ballistic system comprising, a ballistic vest, a soft body armor package, a ballistic support, and a ballistic cover. The ballistic vest may have a front pocket and a back pocket. The soft body armor package may comprise a top portion and a bottom portion. The soft body armor package may be installable in the front pocket of the vest. The ballistic support may be installable with the soft armor package. The ballistic cover may comprise one or more layers of felt. Each layer of the one or more layers of felt having a first end and a second end. Each first end may be formed into a first plurality of tabs. Each second end may also be formed into a second plurality of tabs. The ballistic cover may also comprise one or mor layers of ballistic fabric. Each layer of the one or mor layers of ballistic fabric (e.g., Kevlar fabric) forms fabric a third end and a fourth end. Each third end may be formed into a third plurality of tabs. Each fourth end may be formed into a fourth plurality of tabs. The ballistic cover may be installed over a piece of the soft body armor package.

[0004] Other implementations are also described and recited herein. Further, while multiple implementations are disclosed, still other implementations of the presently disclosed technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative implementations of the presently disclosed technology. As will be realized, the presently disclosed technology is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not limiting.

Brief Descriptions of the Drawings

[0005] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

[0006] Figure 1A illustrates an example ballistic system with interior components shown in a distributed arrangement, including a ballistic cover, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0007] Figure IB illustrates an example ballistic system with interior components shown in a stacked arrangement, including a ballistic cover, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0008] Figure 2 illustrates a ballistic cover, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0009] Figure 3A illustrates a ballistic assembly and a ballistic cover with a ballistic vest, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0010] Figure 3B illustrates a ballistic structure with a ballistic cover, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0011] Figure 3C illustrates a ballistic package (e.g., a ballistic structure, a soft armor package and a hard armor package) with a ballistic cover, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0012] Figure 4A illustrates a ballistic vest for use with a ballistic cover, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0013] Figure 4B illustrates a ballistic vest internal volume including an integral ballistic cover, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0014] Figures 5A illustrates a ballistic structure with a ballistic trauma pad in a first configuration, in accordance with various embodiments;

[0015] Figures 5B illustrates a ballistic structure with a ballistic trauma pad in a second configuration, in accordance with various embodiments; and

[0016] Figures 5C illustrates a ballistic structure with a ballistic trauma pad and a ballistic cover, in accordance with various embodiments.

Detailed Description

[0017] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventions, other embodiments may be realized, and that logical, chemical, and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.

[0018] Aspects of the present disclosure involve ballistic covers that improve the overall ballistic performance of ballistic systems. In this regard, where the ballistic item is disposed at an angle as a result of the user’s anatomy, the ballistic cover disclosed herein, improve the overall ballistic performance of ballistic systems. In various embodiments and with reference to Figure 1A, a ballistic system 100 for a user incorporating aspects of the presently disclosed technology as shown. Ballistic system 100 is provided as an example of ballistic protective equipment that may incorporate aspects of the presently disclosed technology and is not intended to be limiting. Other examples of ballistic protective equipment for a wearer (e.g., humans or animals) that may incorporate aspects of the presently disclosed technology, include, without limitation, carriers, belts, cummerbunds, ballistic accessories (e.g., shoulder protection, pouches, abdomen protection, groin protection, leg protection, bicep/deltoid upper arm protection, etc.) and the like. As such, although discussed herein in the context of a ballistic vest, it will be appreciated that the presently disclosed technology applies to other types of ballistic protective equipment as well.

[0019] The present disclosure is directed to a ballistic cover that may be used to enhance the ballistic capabilities of soft and/or hard armor warn by female users. In various embodiments and with reference to Figures 1 A - IB, a ballistic system 100 can include a ballistic vest 110. Ballistic system 110 may also include a ballistic structure 120. Ballistic system 100 can include an armor package 130, including for example, a soft armor package and/or a hard armor package. Ballistic system 100 may also include a ballistic cover 140. Ballistic cover 140 may be a stand-alone fixture. Ballistic cover 140 can be installable over a potion of armor package 130. Ballistic cover 140 may be installable of ballistic structure 120. For example, ballistic cover 140 may be a foldable fixture that covers a top potion, surface, or profile of at least one of a ballistic structure 120, an armor package 130, and/or both a ballistic structure and an armor package 130.

[0020] With reference to Figure 2, ballistic cover 240 may comprise a one or more layers of a felt 241. Felt 241 may be a ballistic felt. Ballistic cover 240 may also comprise one or more layer of a fabric 243. Fabric 243 may be a ballistic fabric. The one or more layers of fabric 243 may be layers of ballistic fabric, such as for example, Kevlar fabric or another suitable balli stically resistant fabric.

[0021] Any of the one or more layers of felt and or fabric may be cut into gusseted portions or tabs. For example, and as shown in Figure 2, ballistic cover 240 may have a plurality of tabs, such as, tab 242, tab 244, tab 246 and the like. In this regard, the felt and/or fabric may be cut or stress relieved to conform to a particular profile. The profile may match a profile portion of a ballistic structure, such as for example, ballistic structure 120. The cuts or stress reliefs of ballistic cover 240 may be cut, relieved, or shaped to conform to a profile that is straight, curved, or irregular. The width of the cuts and/or corresponding gussets may be uniform or irregular.

[0022] Ballistic cover 240 may also include a fold seam, a centerline, or a pivot line 248. In this regard, ballistic cover 240 may be folded in half about centerline 248. Ballistic cover 240 may form a pocket. Ballistic cover 240 may also be folded in a taco arrangement, such that ballistic cover 240 defines a channel or receivable slot. The gusseted portions of ballistic cover 240 may be adjacent each other, when ballistic cover 240 is folded about centerline 248.

[0023] In various embodiments and with references to Figures 3 A - 3C, ballistic cover 340 may define a channel or receivable slot 349. Slot 349 may be sized and/or configured to receive one or more pieces of ballistic system 300, including for example, ballistic structure 320, an armor package and/or the like. The armor package may include a soft armor component 330, a hard armor component 350, or both.

[0024] Ballistic cover 340 may be sewn or attached to ballistic structure 320. Ballistic cover 340 may be sewn or attached to the armor package (e.g., to soft armor 330). Ballistic cover 340 may also be a separate component that is installed over the armor package, ballistic structure 320, or any other suitable items in ballistic system 300.

[0025] With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, ballistic system 400 comprises a suitable ballistic vest or plate carrier 410. Ballistic vest 410 may define an internal pocket 412. Internal pocket 412 may be defined by one or more pieces of fabric. Internal pocket 412 may be sized to receive ballistic cover 440. Ballistic cover 440 may be sewn or otherwise attached to ballistic vet 410 in internal pocket 412. Ballistic cover 440 may be positioned in internal pocket 412 to cover or shroud top portions of one or more components of any of the ballistic systems described herein. [0026] In various embodiments and with reference to Figures 5A - 5C, ballistic structure 520 may be configured with a trauma pad 560. Trauma pad 560 may be sewn or otherwise attached to ballistic structure 520 along a seam 562. Trauma pad 560 may comprise a fabric pouch or pocket. The pouch can receive an armor component. When worn by a user as part of a ballistic system, trauma pad 560 may be positioned over a user’s chest or trunk. More specifically, trauma pad 560 may cover vital portions of the cardiac and respiratory systems or a wearer’s anatomy, providing additional protection to a wearer in the event of a penetration of the primary armor system. Ballistic structure 520 and trauma pad 560 may also be used in connection with ballistic cover 540.

[0027] The soft body armor assemblies described herein provide numerous advantages over monolithic and other designs. For example, soft body armor assemblies are comfortable, durable, flexible, lightweight, and provides increased performance, including resistance to ballistic penetration, back face deformation performance, resistance to mechanical fatigue, and resistance to fragmentation threat, and the like.

[0028] The flexible ballistic ply structures may be, for example, a resin impregnated woven fabrics, unidirectional laminates, multi-axial fabrics, and/or the like. In one implementation, the flexible ballistic ply structures can be generated using high strength yams including, without limitation, aromatic polyamides such as poly(p-phenylene teraphthalamide), poly(metaphenylene isophthalam ide), p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole, polyb enzoxazole, polybenzothiazole, aromatic unsaturated polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, aromatic polyimides, aromatic polyamideimides, aromatic polyesteramideimides, aromatic polyetheramideimides and aromatic polyesterimides or copolymers of any of the above mentioned classes of materials, and UHMWPE, or any combination of these yams. In another implementation, the flexible ballistic ply structures are woven fabrics generated from high strength fiber are woven structures produced using yams containing aromatic polyamides including poly(p-phenylene teraphthalamide), poly(metaphenylene isophthalamide), p- phenylenebenzobisoxazole, polyb enzoxazole, polybenzothiazole, aromatic unsaturated polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, aromatic polyimides, aromatic polyamideimides, aromatic polyesteramideimides, aromatic polyetheramideimides and aromatic polyesterimides or copolymers of any of the above mentioned classes of materials or any combinations of these yams.

[0029] Any one of the stitch consolidated assemblies of plies for soft body armor assembly described herein is achieved using any stitching thread and any type of stitching method to achieve through-thickness connectivity of the plies, including chain stitching or lock stitching to secure all plies in the assembly together. In one implementation, a stitching pattern that is uniform across the surface of the entire assembly is used. Such a uniform stitching pattern may be, for example, a grid pattern (e.g., quilt pattern), co-linear rows of stitching, concentric circles, a spiral, and/or the like. In another implementation, the stitching pattern of any one of the stitch- consolidated assembly of plies is not uniform across the surface of the entire assembly.

[0030] To achieve a desired level of protection, soft body armor assemblies described herein are configured to inhibit the complete penetration of a particular ballistic threat by overcoming the energy associated with the ballistic event. Two examples of commercially available high strength fibers routinely used to generate anti-ballistic ply structures used in soft body armor assembly include para-aramid fiber, such as Kevlar® fiber from Dupont and Twaron® fiber from Teijin, and UHMWPE, including Spectra® fiber from Honeywell and Dyneema® fiber from DSM.

[0031] The performance of ballistic protective equipment utilizing ply structures generated from high strength fiber is generally measured based on penetration resistance, as well as the resistance to back face deformation that can lead to blunt trauma injuries. Penetration resistance is routinely reported as the VS0, which is defined as the velocity at which a specific ballistic threat will penetrate an armor construction 50% of the time. A methodology routinely used for determining the VS0 of a particular armor system against a specific threat is outlined in Mil - STD 662F VS0 Ballistic test for Armor and Purchase Description FQ/PD 07-0SG, Body Armor, Multiple Threat/Interceptor Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) Generation Ill. The methodology for determining back face deformation is outlined in NIJ Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor. As will be understood from the comparative and experimental examples provided herein, the soft body armor assembly for soft body armor assembly 110 meets these standards and provides numerous advantages over monolithic and other hybrid designs. For example, soft body armor assembly 110 is comfortable, durable, flexible, lightweight, and provides increased performance, including resistance to ballistic penetration, back face deformation performance, resistance to mechanical fatigue, and resistance to fragmentation threat, and the like.

[0032] Woven fabrics generated using para-aramid fiber have long demonstrated robust ballistic performance as anti-ballistic ply structures used in flexible armor systems. Woven anti-ballistic fabrics rely on mechanical interlacing of yarns using commercial weaving equipment and are a desired when designing systems that provide flexibility, comfort, conformability, and improved breathability. Additionally, the mechanically interlocked woven fabrics are very durable, requiring no adhesives or matrix resins to create the ballistic ply structure. Woven anti-ballistic fabrics and can undergo significant flexural fatigue without losing ballistic performance. Several investigations of flexible body armor fabricated using woven para-aramid fabrics reclaimed after more than a decade of continuous use in the field have demonstrated no ballistic performance loss when compared to the performance of the same designs when first issued.

[0033] While mechanical properties of UHMWPE fibers can significantly exceed those of para-aramid fibers such as Kevlar®, woven fabrics generated from UHMWPE fiber have routinely been observed to underperform para-aramid fabrics. One proposition for this observation is that the low friction coefficient of UHMWPE fibers greatly facilitates slip and translation of the warp and fill yarns at the point of impact in woven constructions made therefrom during the ballistic event. This significantly reduces yarn engagement of the ballistic threat, allowing it to pass through the woven structures with limited loading of the UHMWPE yarns.

[0034] Unidirectional laminates represent a second type of anti-ballistic ply structure used in the manufacture of flexible body armor systems. Unidirectional laminates are constructed from two or more layers of unidirectionally oriented high strength yams adhesively bound together using matrix resins and optionally polymer films. The unidirectional fiber layers in the unidirectional laminate are cross-plied; having fiber direction of individual layers rotated 90 degrees relative to the neighboring layers they are laminated to. Unidirectional laminates have demonstrated improved ballistic VSO performance and improved back face deformation performance against high energy deformable projectiles such as bullet threats when compared to woven fabric systems for the same areal density. Disadvantages associated with the unidirectional laminate structure include reduced fragmentation threat resistance, increased stiffness and potentially reduced mechanical fatigue resistance when compared to woven structures generated with the same fiber.

[0035] Due to the issue associated with its use in woven constructions, the unidirectional laminate was conventionally the preferred anti -ballistic structure for UHMWPE fiber. UHMWPE has found significant commercial success in soft armor systems when used in unidirectional laminate structures. These materials are commercially available under the trade names Spectra Shield® from Honeywell, or Dyneema® Unidirectional from DSM. These unidirectional laminate materials are generated using tacky adhesive matrix resins capable of overcoming the low surface friction and low surface energy of the UHMWPE fiber, resulting in mechanically stable anti-ballistic structures.

[0036] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various implementations, it will be understood that these implementations are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, implementations in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular examples. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various implementations of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

[0037] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.

[0038] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0039] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus

Claims (15)

Claims WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A ballistic cover, comprising: one or more layers of felt, each layer of felt having a first end and a second end, the first end being formed into a first plurality of tabs and the second end being formed into a second plurality of tabs; and one or mor layers of ballistic fabric, each layer of ballistic fabric a third end and a fourth end, the third end being formed into a third plurality of tabs and the fourth end being formed into a fourth plurality of tabs, wherein the ballistic cover is configured to be folded over a piece of body armor.

2. The ballistic cover of claim 1, wherein the ballistic cover is attached to a vest or a ballistic structure.

3. The ballistic cover of claim 1, wherein the ballistic fabric is a bullet resistant fabric.

4. The ballistic cover of claim 1, further comprising a centerline.

5. The ballistic cover of claim 4, wherein the ballistic cover is folded about the centerline.

6. The ballistic cover of claim 5, wherein the first end is adjacent to the second end.

7. The ballistic cover of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of tabs are uniformly spaced from one another.

8. A ballistic system, comprising: a ballistic vest having a front pocket and a back pocket; a soft body armor package comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, the soft body armor package installable in the front pocket of the vest; a ballistic structure installable with the soft armor package; and a ballistic cover comprising: one or more layers of felt, each layer of felt having a first end and a second end, the first end being formed into a first plurality of tabs and the second end being formed into a second plurality of tabs; and one or mor layers of ballistic fabric, each layer of ballistic fabric a third end and a fourth end, the third end being formed into a third plurality of tabs and the fourth end being formed into a fourth plurality of tabs, wherein the ballistic cover is installable over a piece of the soft body armor package.

9. The ballistic system of claim 8, wherein the ballistic cover is folded over the soft body armor package.

10. The ballistic system of claim 8, wherein the ballistic cover is installed over the soft armor package such that the felt is positioned in adjacent the front of the front pocket.

11. The ballistic system of claim 8, wherein the ballistic cover is attached to at least one of the ballistic structure or the soft body armor package.

12. The ballistic system of claim 8, wherein the ballistic cover is sewn into the front pocket of the ballistic vest.

13. The ballistic system of claim 8, wherein first plurality of tabs are uniformly spaced from one another.

14. The ballistic system of claim 8, further comprising a trauma pad.

15. The ballistic system of claim 8, wherein the user is a female user.